Friday, December 28, 2012

My granddaughter Julia loves books. That makes her grandma
smile! One of her new favorites to look through is a poetry collection that I
gave her for Christmas—Christmas Presents: Holiday Poetry. Yesterday, she even
sat in my lap as I read her some of the poems in the book.

Another one of her favorite books is Jamberry. Here are some
pictures that I took of her reading it recently.

I hope Julia will continue to love books. I’m happy that she
doesn’t chew on them now.

Here’s a list poem that I wrote some time ago. I’m
dedicating it to my granddaughter Julia today.

THINGS TO DO IF YOU
ARE A BOOK

Be filled with words that tell a tale

of a little mouse and a giant whaleof a runty pig and his spider friendwho was true and loyal to the endof a child who ate just bread and jamof a funky guy, green eggs, and hamof a spunky girl named Ramona Q.of a Jabberwock that a young boy slew.Be filled with words and tell a talethat will let my imagination sail.Be a mysteryor a fantasyand sing with sounds of poetry.Between your coverslet there bea story that’s just
right for me.

About Me

I worked as an elementary school teacher for more than three decades and as a school librarian for three years. I also taught a children's literature course at Boston University from 2002-2008. I served on the advisory board of the Keene State College Children’s Literature Festival from 2006-2008 and as a member of the NCTE Poetry Committee from 2009-2012. I am now retired and write poetry for children. "Things to Do," my first children's book, will be published by Chronicle Books in February of 2017.